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Learn web development with online courses and programs

Web development offers a unique path for professionals interested in creative applications of computer science. Explore courses and programs that can help you get started in the field.

Web developers employ tools like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to create dynamic websites that deliver optimized user experiences. Online web development courses offer a convenient yet structured way to add key skills to your profile.

Build your roadmap to success: Connect with web development courses and programs for learners of all skill levels.

What is web development?

Web development involves building, administering, and updating websites and other web applications. It includes three main branches: front-end, back-end, and full-stack development.

Web development also involves creative elements and has some overlap with the related field of web design. However, web development focuses more on the technical, structural, and functional elements of web applications. Professionals in this field use various programming languages, development frameworks, version control systems, and deployment tools to execute projects.

Front-end vs. back-end vs. full-stack web development

If you're interested in web development, you should first understand the field's three main branches:

Front-end development

Front-end development focuses on a website's user-facing elements, including page layouts, interactive features, and rendered designs.

Back-end development

Back-end development refers to the server-facing side of web development. It involves application logic, security, site architecture, and other technical functions.

Full-stack development

Full-stack development involves both front-end and back-end processes.

Some web development professionals specialize in front-end or back-end skills. Others develop broad skillsets to work as full-stack developers.

Benefits of learning web development

  • Online web development courses can help you develop versatile skills and build your confidence with widely used technical tools.
  • You will gain the knowledge you need to build your own website, which can strengthen your portfolio when you search for jobs.
  • By adding front-end, back-end, and/or full-stack proficiencies to your skillset, you can become a more productive and adaptable technical professional.
  • Web development skills can lead to hybrid and remote employment opportunities, enhancing your career flexibility.
  • Technical web development skills are likely to remain relevant well into the future as nearly all fields increasingly rely on technology and the internet.

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How do you get started in web development?

1. Lay the foundations

The journey to becoming a web developer typically begins with learning three core languages: CSS, HTML, and JavaScript.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a style sheet language used to define the layout and presentation of websites and web applications. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) tells web browsers how to structure and display site content. JavaScript is a programming language used to control dynamic and interactive elements of websites.

Regardless of the complexity of a task, almost all aspects of web development involve these three languages. They are the fundamental technical building blocks upon which all websites are built.

2. Add front-end skills

Emerging web developers usually start with front-end skills, since the associated tech stack is smaller and generally easier for beginners to grasp. Beyond CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, key front-end proficiencies include:

  • Web application frameworks and libraries, such as Angular, jQuery, React, and Vue.js
  • Responsive design techniques, such as adaptive layouts, scaling, and proportional resizing
  • Version control tools (Beanstalk, GitHub, and others) and code editors (Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, and others)

You can also develop helpful supplementary skills in areas like user interfacing (UI), user experience (UX), troubleshooting, and debugging.

3. Improve through practice

By applying your developing skills through practice, you can gain confidence and start building a portfolio. Online web development courses offer project-based opportunities to put your skills into action, but you can also practice independently by:

  • Creating your own website, which can increase in complexity as you master fundamental skills.
  • Analyzing projects carried out by experienced front-end developers and comparing their work to yours.
  • Engaging with tutorial and practice platforms that allow you to try to recreate the functions and features of live websites.

The more you practice, the more proficient you become.

4. Develop back-end skills

Once you feel comfortable with front-end development, you can start exploring back-end skills. Some concepts and tools, such as debugging and version control, apply to both front-end and back-end processes. Others are more specifically associated with back-end development tasks.

Examples include:

  • Server-side programming languages (Java, Node.js, PHP, Python, Ruby, and others)
  • Data and database management, including Structured Query Language (SQL) and No-SQL tools
  • User authentication and authorization tools
  • Server and hosting management

As with front-end skills, you should practice back-end development as frequently as possible. Challenge yourself to get better, and remember the helpful role structured education and mentorship can play in your journey to becoming a full-stack web developer.

5. Stay adaptable and up to date

Like many other tech fields, web development constantly changes — and the pace of change can be very fast. You need to stay current as new tools and technologies emerge, and as UI/UX needs evolve. The ever-shifting cybersecurity landscape is another key factor, as web development and cybersecurity overlap.

Knowledgeable and experienced web developers can stay current by:

  • Following tech news and watching key industry developments.
  • Taking online courses and using tutorial resources.
  • Getting active in online developer communities.
  • Contributing to open-source knowledge repositories.

How long does it take to learn web development?

It typically takes several years to evolve from a complete beginner to an experienced professional capable of mentoring newcomers. Multiple factors can impact your timeline, including the educational pathway you choose and the frequency and intensity of your study schedule.

Explore the typical time requirements associated with online web development courses and programs available through edX partner providers:

  • Courses: Standalone courses typically run for about 4-12 weeks.
  • Certificates: Professional certificate programs usually cover about 2-10 months.
  • Degree programs: Bachelor's degrees typically take 4-6 years, depending on your study schedule. Master's programs generally require 1-3 years.
  • Executive education: Allow 6-8 weeks to complete an executive education program.

What jobs can you get as a web developer?

Beyond specializing in front-end, back-end, or full-stack web development, you can use your skillset to pursue many careers. Find potential jobs below, with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Digital project manager

As you apply front-end and back-end web development proficiencies, you will gain valuable insights into the end-to-end process of planning, building, and maintaining websites and other web applications. Over time, this can lead to roles in digital project management, in which you will guide and oversee the entire digital production process.

Median annual salary (May 2024): $106,130


Your next steps on edX

You can start your journey to become a web developer today by exploring the courses and programs available through edX partner providers. Here's how:

  1. Take a standalone course at any skill level.
  2. Build broader skills with a certificate or executive education program.
  3. Enroll in a bachelor's degree or master's degree program in computer science.
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Frequently asked questions

Why should I learn web development?

In a digital-first world, web development is a valuable skill. Learning web development can help you advance in a variety of fields, offering high pay and relative job stability. You can also use your web development knowledge to pursue self-employment.

How hard is it to learn web development?

It's possible to learn fundamental web development concepts quickly. However, mastering full-stack skills is more challenging and usually takes several years.

Can I learn web development on my own?

Yes, you can learn web development independently by taking advantage of free educational resources, coding challenges, instructional tutorials, and online communities. Some employers even hire web developers without a degree if they can validate their skills with strong portfolios or professional certificates.

Will AI replace web developers?

Artificial intelligence (AI) will likely impact web development, primarily by automating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks, but it is unlikely to replace the human element of the profession. Instead, AI may improve process efficiency and give human experts more time and freedom to concentrate on creative and technical functions that cannot easily be automated.